SERVICES: Visitation from 6-9 p.m. today at Oak Hills Mortuary, with rosary at 7 p.m. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Luke Catholic Church

Known as “The Colonel” for his disciplined teaching style, Maige Rodriguez's career as an educator, administrator and mentor spanned three decades.

“He was respected. He ran a tight ship in the classroom; no matter how chaotic things were, the lesson was up on the board and they were to follow it — and they did,” his son, Carlos Rodriguez, said.

The majority of Rodriguez's career was spent at Edgewood Independent School District, beginning as a typing instructor at Stafford Elementary School.

In 1963, Rodriguez became dean of boys at John F. Kennedy High School. Besides being responsible for all disciplinary matters, Rodriguez was instrumental in developing a central accounting system for maintaining accurate attendance records.

“As a principal, he was more dedicated than anyone,” his daughter, Leticia Rodriguez, recalled. “He would always be the last one to leave, because he wanted to make sure all the kids were on the bus and on their way home.”

“Those kids were his responsibility, and he took his responsibility very seriously,” she said.

Rodriguez died Thursday of end-stage cardiac disease. He was 83.

In 1978, Rodriguez took a hiatus from education and began a second career with Southwestern Bell, working in their engineering division. After 16 years, Rodriguez retired from Southwestern Bell and opted to return to his first passion. He began substitute teaching in Edgewood ISD, something he did well into his 70s.

“He could've gone anywhere to substitute, but he chose to go back to Edgewood because he felt comfortable with the kids. He felt he'd make more of an impact on the children there. He knew he could make a difference,” his daughter said.

As a substitute teacher, Rodriguez offered guidance and direction to many of his students.

“He connected with them. A lot of the kids didn't have someone in their lives to tell them what's right and what's wrong. They could go to him for advice,” his daughter said.

“He was like a father figure. He helped more people than we'll ever know.”